Chillac brings together a clearly identified hiking trail, buildings and historical links to the area. The Sentier des Terriers de Pécalèbre is 13 kilometres long and starts at the church. The village is also home to the Romanesque Church of Saint-Sulpice and Château de Chillac, with its three towers; a former railway bridge and archaeological finds add to the local history. The landscape is characterised by a watershed and the wooded southwest.

Hiking and countryside in Chillac

The Sentier des Terriers de Pécalèbre is designated as a PDIPR hiking trail. At 13 kilometres, it is a distinct highlight alongside Chillac’s cultural and historical attractions. Starting at the church gives the route a direct connection to the village; its name and length make it easy to include in your stay plans. The hike is a different experience from exploring individual buildings and local history.

Chillac lies on a watershed separating the Charente drainage basin to the north from the Dordogne basin to the south. The terrain is more rugged in the wooded southwest. Elevations near the ruins of the Pécalèbre mill reach 166 metres. The watershed describes the village’s position between two drainage basins; the elevation adds a specific geographical reference point in the southwest.

Saint-Sulpice: architecture and history

Saint-Sulpice is a single-nave Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. “Single-nave” describes its layout, with one main nave. Three storeys are visible on the exterior façade, and substantial Gothic buttresses reinforce the structure. The building thus combines a Romanesque layout with Gothic elements in its exterior architecture.

The church was badly damaged during the Hundred Years’ War and completely restored in the 15th century. Its façades and roofs were listed as historic monuments by decree on 16 May 1961. The interior is currently not open to visitors. Check local information again before travelling.

Château, railway bridge and archaeological traces

Château de Chillac is distinguished by its three towers. Its façades and roofs were also listed as historic monuments by decree on 16 May 1961. The church and château therefore share the same listing date and scope of protection, but differ in their features: Saint-Sulpice is single-nave and Romanesque, while the château’s appearance is defined by its three towers.

Another historical trace is the former Petit Mairat railway bridge, which can be seen in Chillac. As a bridge from the former railway, it adds a link to the history of transport and the local area.

Settlement traces dating from the Mousterian period of the Palaeolithic, along with flint pieces, blades and scrapers, were discovered in the hamlet of Les Justices. These finds bring a much earlier period into the history of the area. They differ from the architectural features of the church and château, and from the former railway bridge.

Discover more destinations: Mouzon, Brillac, Maine-de-Boixe, Jarnac, Chille, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Angeau, Beaulieu-Sur-Sonnette.

For the regional travel overview: Charente.